Movie Questions
All of my books have been at various times optioned to become movies; some have moved further in the process than others, but none has yet become a movie. To your questions:
Q. Looking for Alaska movie? I can haz? Nao plz?
A. The rights to the Looking for Alaska movie are owned by Paramount, which hired Josh Schwartz to write and direct the film. Josh wrote an excellent screenplay adaptation of the book, a screenplay which I desperately loved, but there was no enthusiasm for that kind of movie at Paramount, and so far as I know, there still isn’t. Paramount will probably still own the rights to LFA when my initial readers grow up and become famous film executives; hopefully then someone will make it, hopefully with Josh’s script, which I continue to love. Anyway, it could get made at any time, but I don’t know anything more than that.
Q. Katherines movie?
A. An Abundance of Katherines was optioned by a small production company that in the end couldn’t get a movie together; we’re now working with a different production company with the hopes of setting it up somewhere, but that’s a long way off.
Q. Paper Towns movie?
A. The rights to Paper Towns were optioned by Mandate Pictures (which made Juno), and I was hired to write the screenplay. I worked hard on the script for much of 2009, but in the end Mandate didn’t feel they had the kind of screenplay they could shoot. So it goes.
Q. Will Grayson, Will Grayson?
A. WGWG has not been optioned. (To quote a real live movie producer who really said this about Will Grayson, Will Grayson, “The only thing Hollywood hates more than smart teenagers is smart, gay teenagers.” I hope Hollywood will prove this movie producer wrong someday.)
Q. I would like to audition to be in the movie of your book?
A. Should Hollywood ever greenlight any of my books, and should there be an open casting call, I will definitely let you know on the blog and in a video and on twitter and so on. But it should be noted that I have exactly as much say in casting as you do.
Q. How much did you change in the Paper Towns screenplay?
A. A lot. (For one thing, the ending was completely different.) I’ve always believed that a movie CAN’T be faithful to a book, because a book is something that happens in conversation between a writer and a reader, whereas a movie is mostly something you look at. So, like, trying to render the people and events of a novel on screen is impossible, I think, because you’ll only end up with some poor approximation of the magic of the book. So in the end I’d rather make a good movie than a faithful one, which is what I tried to do. I wanted the ideas of the book to be preserved, but mostly I just want the movie to be good.
Q. Where should I send a screenplay to get it produced?
A. If I had a reliable answer to that question, I’d have gotten my own screenplay produced. I’m sorry to say I have absolutely no idea how one goes about submitting screenplays.
{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }
Previously when you had said that a movie can’t be 100% faithful to a book, I was sort of on the fence about that (I was in denial because I wanted Harry Potter movies to BE the books). However I now completely agree. I watched The Great Gatsby movie and could not even finish it because it was nearly the exact same as the book and killed the magic.
I just wanted to share this for any other doubters out there.
I totally agree. I was in the same position with the Harry Potter books/movies (to be fair, they did a pretty good job), and also, I feel the same about the Hunger Games movie as you do about the Great Gatsby one.
I find it really sad that some people think that watching a movie adaption of a book can replace the reading experience.
With regards to The Great Gatsby as a film (the 1970s film): The novel is written from an observers perspective. Once you move to a third-person medium, Nick’s observations and thoughts are less relevant and not poetic. Also, our version of a novel will always feel more beautiful than the cinematic version, because it is personal.
I mean, come on, the shirt scene? Really? I couldn’t even take it, but found something profoundly sad about this moment in the novel.
I think Coppola’s screenplay has a lot of merit, he wanted to make a film faithful to the book he (and America) adores. However, with the inherent change of perspective with film, it cannot play the same.
I would be the same way with John Green’s material, not saying I am a screenwriter but I would try to remain faithful to the original rather than making an adaptation of the original material.
Could Paper Towns still become a movie even thought they poo-pooed your screenplay? I think that book could be a seriously fantastic movie, if done the right way.
I so agree!
Seriously, some nerdfighters should start making one of these books into a movie, that would be one of the funest and most intresting things I could ever witness in an online community, I think.
Oh my goodness gracious YES! Let’s do it! Let’s all start making our own movies! Bahaha! I could see that working. :P
Yea! now all we need is $5 million.
and that would still be a low budget film. … :( Don’t you just LOVE Hollywood? :/
There are two projects going on. Both of them are movies made by nerdfighters. On of them “Best Whishes” is in production rigt now, and the other movie is on pre-production. The project is starting now, so if someone is interested, please join these groups on nerdfighters.com
nfmovie
nerdfighters:the movie
We need help!
So…if the movie ending you wrote for the Paper Towns movie is different from the book’s ending, what happens in the movie? Is it significantly different; do you think the fans of the book would be disappointed with it?
I don’t think that John would write an ending that would disappoint the fans of Paper Towns.
I too am actually very curious about your screenplays ending. Have you ever thought about posting it anywhere?
I know a production company would never allow their script (since the optioned screenplay is owned by the production company) be released on the internet (at least until the film is released) because Hollywood is a business. John could get into a ton of trouble (maybe a breach or two in contract) by releasing his new ending). We shall wait to see if Mandate ever considers making the film IRL.
You said in the last FAQ that you would announce any info on casting calls for an movie adaptions of your books. I couldn’t find any details on auditions for “Alaska”. So, have they already held auditions? If not, where and when will the auditions be held?
He said that “if” there is ever any casting calls he would post where and when, but so far I’m realativly sure there hasn’t been any. But we can only hope that there will be some soon. :)
If in the end the Paper Towns movie wont be shooted, you think you could show us the screenplay?
I completely agree about movies and books being the same. Movies and books are so different that when you sit down to watch the movie (and the movie is that exact same as the book), then a) you’re never surprised by anything, which kills, and b) it’s boring, because the way a book presents things can be totally different than the way a movie presents things. For instance, I thought the first Twilight books was OK. The first Twilight movie was so bad I almost fell asleep! Haha, not that any of your books compare to Twilight at all. You’re so much better than that.
Although I think that nerdfighter created movies would be great, it’s a little bit unrealistic. Why wait for us to be ‘famous film executives’? We should start a letter writing campaign to Paramount and show them just how much interest there is for at the very least ‘Looking for Alaska’. Lots of major companies make decisions based on the opinions and requests of their customer base, I’m sure Paramount is no different. As long as they don’t cast Miley Cyrus as Alaska… I don’t think my brain could take that.
dude you just gotta be more aggressive. grab these producers by the balls and tell them they don’t know what they’re talking about. You are successful because of your ideas and your ability to express them. As for Will Grayson, I’m pretty sure every teenager is smart in movies, just like every female is hot. Hollywood is your bitch.
So I’m somewhat late to the party, but this might just be the most hilarious comment I’ve ever read on anything. (Although I disagree with the “every teenager is smart in movies” statement, but that’s not the point.)
(*Generalization, not statement, especially if you’re referring to the movies that are produced by Hollywood nowadays. While there are some intelligent teenagers out there, they’re rare in movies nowadays that are focused on the teenagers.)
According to Wikipedia and http://www.imdb.com Looking for Alaska is scheduled to release in 2013? Is this still just a hope that isn’t confirmed?
I just finished paper towns and i’m very curious to how you changed the ending in the screenplay…do they end up together? does margo die? the questions need answering john!
All I can say is this, all four (plus your future books) BETTER become movies.
Hello John–
Greetings from Connecticut!
I am a student interested in film, and I’d like to make an independent adaptation of Paper Towns. I realize you sold the rights already, and that kind of fell through, but I’m not interested in making any money off the film, just doing it for fun and experience. My questions are: Any ideas? Any requests? Any objection? Let me know what you think, and if you want to talk further about this then feel free to contact me.
Thanks, Ben Cowper
(I think you can retrieve my email from this comment, but if not just let me know, I just don’t want to make it public if I don’t need to.)
the fault in our stars is the reason i read so if it doesn’t become a movie i will not read movies a lot is resting on this if i do not watch movies nobody knows what could happen
I am 14 and very interested in film I hope to one day be in the industry. I am writing screen plays and would be very interested in reading your adaption of Paper Towns. If there is anywhere I could read it could someone tell me.
Is the Fault In Our Stars have a current chance of being turned into a screenplay?! I think it would be a great movie!!
When i become a super-famous movie director i’m want to make the movie of Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska and Will Grayson Will Grayson, because everybody loves smart gay teenagers.
You better cast me in all of them.
for a project at school I have to choose a book then pretend like I’m making it into a movie…I chose the fault in our stars…my fav book of all time..so far I have pretend casted Sofia vassilieva as hazel and Logan Lehman as Augustus waters…..
do you think the fault in our stars will have a chance at the big screen. (hope so…) :)
Me too!
I just finished The Fault In Our Stars and i heard it was being turned into a movie. Is this true??? (I really hope so. It was an amazing book)
Hi. I read the The Fault In Our Stars and it was an AWESOME book! Please option Logan Lerman and Saoirse Ronan for the lead roles, they are PERFECT for Gus and Hazel specially Logan. I just love your book so much and I want the movie as amazing as the book. So can you option them please?
Dear John Green,
I am a teacher in HIgh School and also in Arlequin( EDITORIAL IN JALISCO MEXICO) my job is look for new writters. We are very interesting to publish your book in spanish.
The only book in spanish is Looking for Alaska y yours others books is realy hard to find here.
I hope heard from you soon.
Norma Jaime H.
Will TFIOS ever be made into a movie, it’s my favourite one of your books so far and it would be amazing to see a film adaptation of that!
My brother would be a great Will Grayson….
WG’s Life Philosophy (Shut up, Don’t care) is the same as my brother’s who has never stopped shutting up and not caring.
And what about The Fault in Our Stars? (:
TFiOS movie?
I can’t believe that producer made that comment about Hollywood hating smart gay teens. What a homophobic shit! (Sorry for the language) But I really hope that one of your books gets made into a movie!
have you attempted to approach someone in Hollywood to bring your screen play to life? Emma Watson just had to read The Perks script once and she flew down and fought for it and won i’m sure if you apporach someone like her in hollywood you could get it produced it would be such a shame for it to collect dust.
I like this idea. There probably is at least one actor/actress who loves John’s novels like the rest of the readers. I just wish Dan John Miller became friends with John earlier (2003/2004), and John already wrote Paper Towns at that point (and it was optioned) so Dan could introduce Ginnifer Goodwin to John (due to them working together on Walk the Line). John could ask her to consider playing Margo. I feel like she might’ve been interested at that time in her career.
I am sure John has famous actor friends so it could happen for him!
They should make a “Fault in Our Stars” movie. It is such a great book filled with humorous, lovable characters, and a great plot.
I have a question: Do you know if anyone will be making a movie for The Fault In Our Stars?
the Point is that ALL of john’s books Would make Amazing movies!!!!
TFiOS needs to become a movie. I don’t care who makes it, as long as they do the book justice. That’s all I ask for in my lifetime.
while i was reading Will Grayson, WIll Grayson i always pictured Tiny as Damien from mean girls… just a thought..
The only thing Hollywood should hate, is people who hate smart, gay teenagers.
Watching the Oscars just makes me think of how many Oscars any of these books would win if they were made into movies! Of course it would be mandatory to read the book(s) first…but still, I can’t wait for them to be made into hopefully just as amazing screenplays!
Hello there, I literally just finished reading The Fault in Our Stars like 10 minutes ago, and I loved it. I am an aspiring 16 year old actress, but have no professional experience. If there is any possible way for me to audition, I would love to. This sounds completely insane, but I feel like I have to do everything in my power to at least try to audition for something someone like me could never obtain. But I like to live my life regret free. And I’m just hoping the universe will help me out with this.
I think Looking For Alaska would be an amazing movie that would definitely appeal to teenagers. Make them change their minds?
How did you change the ending of Paper Towns? I finished it a month ago, but I definitely didn’t like it as much as Looking for Alaska. I could barely pay attention to the book and it was just so confusing. I don’t think that Q going after Margo was very realistic. She hadn’t talked to him in 13 years and suddenly she chose him to go on her ninja quest? She just lead him on. I, personally, didn’t like Margo’s character and think she should’ve expected somebody to come after her instead of freaking out when Q and Ben and Lacy and Marcus came. I compared her to Alaska (Sorry if that would annoy you or anything), but I really like Alaska’s character better. (Sorry :( ) I think Margo just took advantage of Q and lead him on and Alaska was actually Pudge’s friend and actually got with her a bit. I didn’t find Ben dating Lacy realistic. Why would a girl like Lacy be with a guy like Ben? The sub-divisions were really confusing. This book was really wordy and my friend and I just didn’t like it. :(
I have yet to read your other books. I’m currently reading The Fault in our Stars and I just finished chapter 20, and I accidentally read the first line. Thanks. I wish I could be/become as smart as Hazel and Gus. They have really intelligent conversations. So far I love the book and I’m already sad. I originally thought that Hazel was going to die, considering she was the one who had cancer. I love Gus and I was talking with my friend and we said that you create the best characters (Alaska and Augustus) and you kill them. >:(. I wish I could meet a guy like Gus.
You’re my new favorite writer. Keep writing!!!!
Hi John!
I’m from Mexico, I recently just read your book The Fault in our Stars and I had 2 main questions. I just wanted to ask you, what made you name Hazel, Hazel? I admire the way you write and your exquisite way of thinking. By the way, will there be a The Fault in our Stars movie? Thanks for your time, and I hope you continue writing ;) Gracias, te admiro y te amo. (Thank you, I admire you and I love you.)
I would REALLY love to see a The Fault in Our Stars movie!
I finally got a chance to read Looking for Alaska, and I think it would make an excellent movie. I would be interested in seeing if what was recently done to fund the Veronica Mars movie would work with something like this. I’m sure there are nerd fighters everywhere who would pony up some cash to make the movie happen.
I don’t want to start off sounding too fan-ish but you, John Green, you’re my absolute favorite author. You’ve described a perspective on life that very few people seem to have and in your writing and knowladge have inspired me to pursue my dreams as well, Novelist and or screenplay writer.
Hello
I am a massive of John Greens books
and i was wondering if there are any chances of me audition for the movie “fault in our stars” ?
can you please let me know if and can and how i would
Many Thanks Rosie
Dear John Green,
First of all I want to thank you for writing the faults in our stars it is truly amazing. Second I want to say that I beg you to be careful when casting Hazel. I feel a strong connection to Hazel and her casting needs to be utterly perfect or the story (not the book but the movie) may be ruined for me. I know deep down inside that I secretly wont be happy with the Hazel casting unless it is me. I know that sounds ridiculous and unrealistic even though I desperately want to be an actress. Another thing I think Hazel’s role should be casted to a nobody so no one would sit there and focus on who is playing Hazel but focus on Hazel and the story itself. I Guess what I am asking is you don’t be a sell out and you choose wisely. Oh and please tell me when and if there is an open casting for Hazel’s role because I would be there in heartbeat because I want the honor to play her. Third is I wrote a letter for you but I don’t know where to send it that you will actually read it which makes me sad, I spent some time on writing it and really wanted you to read it not someone else. All I can hope is that you reply to this, I don’t care what you say like Hazel says “frankly I would read your grocery list.”
Yours with great admiration,
Nora Catherine Carlson
(age 14)
Dear John Green,
I read The Fault In Our Stars weeks ago and can’t stop thinking about it. I have been seeing things people have been posting all over about what actor would be best for Gus, and many sites had overlaps, but none included Josh Hutcherson, I strongly urge you to look into him, because he seems to be just like Gus to me but looks and personality, and I think he is a good age for it, compared to others that have been listed. Also, the way you incorporate AIA, is that supposed to be similar to us readers reading this book? The way Hazel talks about it in the book makes me feel the way she did when reading it.
Sarah
I desperately want a movie adaptation of the fault of our stars in this life time. Any chance of my dream to come true? :)
I LOVE all of the books you have made so far (just need to finish 2 more!) and hope you make more because you touch the hearts of your readers and captivate us in your books and into the charactors mind and make us believe for the whole book they exist and this is all real. You may not ever see this but I want you to know if you see this that some of your books hold that special magic in them and that if they were movies that they would release that magic to the world and sometimes the world will take it and enjoy it while other times the magic would disappear forever. The Fault in our Stars I am on the fense because I see it as a movie but I loved it soooo much that I feel the book was made for my eyes only and that I wouldn’t want others to see it. Paper Towns could be and Looking for Alaska but I think the movie may be kind of hard to made similar to the book but not impossible. Your writing still has me in awe and I usually don’t pick out books based on the author(before you I had none just read random books) but with you I get your books on purpose! Lastly, wow this is long, DONT GIVE UP WRITTING!
Hi,
Loved TFIOS, was thrilled to hear there is going to be a movie.
If you need an actress to play Lidewij, I am Dutch. :)
Good luck with writing more amazing stories.